Climate Action for Better Health

In many communities in Nigeria, particularly underserved communities are vulnerable to climate change due to poor waste disposal and environmental pollution which continue to threaten public health.

Through my engagement in climate and health awareness campaigns, school sensitizations and community clean-up activities, I have seen how climate action directly improves wellbeing. In my community children and young women are increasingly experiencing climate related health challenges like respiratory illnesses, flooding, waterborne diseases and heat stress.

This is why SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) must work together. Through my community-based activities with youth-led initiatives, I have educated children and young people on sustainable fashion from waste management, recycling and environmental sanitation while encouraging climate responsibility in their communities. Small actions such as reducing plastic waste, turning used clothing to valuable products like reusable sanitary pads, bags, pouffe stools etc instead of burning them openly and promoting clean environments to create healthier communities for everyone.

Through these initiatives, I contributed to sorting over 500kg of plastic waste from the environment and reducing littered waste in targeted areas by 85%, I have reached over 300 children in different schools with climate education, trained 7 young people as volunteers and these efforts have inspired eco-friendly habits, strengthen climate awareness.

Written By: Akoto Blessing Ogheneojiyovwi - Nigeria